BIAC Completes 2015 Drag Racing Season

The final event of the Big Island Auto Club’s 2015 drag racing season was held last weekend at the Hilo Drag Strip.

Weather cut short the final day of the 45th annual Labor Day Drags on Sunday, but several different events were completed on Saturday to round out the season.

Honolulu’s Matt Hiraga was the winner of the Motorcycle Bracket, riding his Suzuki to a hole shot win with a time of 10.05 seconds and 127 miles per hour. Another Oahu competitor, Richard Graellos of Ewa Beach, finished in second place.

Saturday’s Bracket 1 race was won by Kevin Benevides of Hilo. His roadster clocked in at 15.01 seconds and 64 miles per hour. His opponent, Paauilo’s David Francis, broke out of bracket and red-lighted.

John Hunter of Pahoa won Saturday’s Bracket 2 event. He drove his AMX to a time of 11.50 seconds and 110 miles per hour. Russell Medeiros of Ocean View finished in second.

Because of bad weather on Sunday, the Door Slammer event, junior dragster competition, and open wheel competition couldn’t be completed. Prize money was equally distributed to all participants remaining in each event.

Next year’s schedule will depend on the County of Hawai’i’s ADA and facility improvements to the drag strip, which is scheduled to begin next month.